Persistent and toxic chemical pollutants in fish consumed by Asians in Chicago, United States.

Consumption of seafood brings health benefits but may increase the ingestion of contaminants. Compared with other ethnic groups in the U.S., Asians consume seafood more frequently. However, there is little information about how culturally specific fish consumption contributes to exposure to toxicants. In this work, we surveyed fish consumption among Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities and purchased 103 seafood samples from local markets in Chicago. Each sample was analyzed for mercury (Hg) and 92 organic chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and Dechlorane Plus and related compounds (DPs). The rank order of pollutant concentration in all samples was Hg â‰« Σ66PCBs > Σ17OCPs > Σ8PBDEs > Σ8DPs. Positive correlations were noted among most contaminant groups. Bluefish, pike and tuna steak had the highest mean Hg (>1 mg/kg). The mean Σ66PCBs was highest in pike and bluefish (>100 ng/g) followed by pollock and mackerel (>40 ng/g). Overall, octopus, shrimp and tilapia were the least contaminated; while pike, bluefish, and pollock were the most contaminated. Omega-3 fatty acids were more strongly affiliated with the organic contaminants than mercury. A risk assessment identified seven types of fish that should have consumption limitations and six that should not be consumed. For these seafoods, consumption advice based on Hg levels would adequately protect health. In the survey participants, 17% of seafood mass consumed is from types of fish that should be limited to 1 or 2 meals/week, while 7% of the seafood mass consumed comes from types that should not be consumed at all. This work adds additional contaminants to the profile of health risks resulting from fish consumption among Asian Americans, which can be used in interventions aimed at conserving consumption of healthy fish while avoiding contaminants.

Fish Consumption and Hair Mercury Among Asians in Chicago.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to characterize the risk for elevated mercury (Hg) from fish consumption among Asians in Chicago. Consumption of fish contaminated with methyl Hg (MeHg) can affect the neurodevelopment in children and cardiovascular disease risk in adults. METHODS: We collected fish consumption information and hair samples for Hg at two health fairs. We purchased fish from Asian fish markets. RESULTS: Geometric mean hair Hg from 71 participants was 0.58  µg/g, with 28% overall and 29% of women of childbearing age having hair Hg levels at least 1  µg/g; 20% ate fish 4 or more times/wk. Tuna consumption and non-Chinese Asian ethnicity were associated with elevated Hg. Hg levels in purchased fish were generally low. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms other findings that, compared with estimates of the general US population, Asians are at higher risk of elevated MeHg because of frequent fish consumption.